Us (Him, #2)

by Sarina Bowen

The way I feel about Ryan Wesley…it’s something I thought existed only in the movies. He’s my other half. We complement each other in more ways than I can count. When he’s in the same room, I’m focused on him, and when he’s gone I walk around missing him.

Love is friendship set on fire. I get it now. But that doesn’t mean I’m not pissed at him.

Wes probably already has ten million dollars. His family is rich, and he doesn’t give a damn. What he wants most is me. And I’d be lying if I said that didn’t light me up. Wes is never stingy with his affection.

This man…fuck, this man. He does me in with one touch. One heated look.

“Fucking hell, Canning, I fucking love you so fucking much.” He sounds like he’s struggling to breathe,

I’ve just discovered that falling in love has a dark side. When you’re mad at the love of your life, it’s impossible to feel joy.

I’d sell my soul to the devil before I let anything happen to this guy. He’s my entire life.

“If being queer means skating like Ryan Wesley, I’m going to have to encourage the rest of my players to give it a whirl.”

“I trust who I am with Jamie. He’s known me since I was a pimply thirteen-year-old when we used to argue about video games. He doesn’t see me as Toronto’s rookie forward. He doesn’t care about my scoring average. I don’t try to impress him.”

“Ring,” I croak. “You…I…” My mouth is like sandpaper. “In that interview, you said you wanted…” Deep breaths. “To get married some day. And I think that’s something we should do.”

Damn, I missed this. The way he kisses me like he’s trying to make a point. And now I know what the point is. We’re supposed to be together.

My best friend. My lover. My…fiancé…oh wow, never thought that word would be such a turn-on, but it totally is.

I’ve spent too many weeks worrying about accepting help from Wes, because I didn’t want to appear weak. And the whole time he’s only been desperate to show how much he loves me.

Life with Wes is never dull. Even when we’re old and gray with saggy asses, he’ll still be funny and he’ll still be mine.

I need that laugh and that man. So wherever he goes, I’m going to want to be there, too. He’s worth it.

“I love you, Canning.” “Love you too, Wesley.”

Wes is my home. He’s my heart.